The Agri-Food Pilot (AFP) program in Canada has recently been updated to streamline the application process and align it with other permanent economic programs. Here’s a detailed, yet simple breakdown of the changes and requirements to help you navigate the process.
Key Updates:
- Language Test Validity: Language test results are now valid from the test report date.
- Settlement Funds: Real property or investments are no longer accepted as proof of settlement funds.
Application Assessment Criteria:
Applicants must meet several criteria to be eligible for the AFP program. These criteria include education, employment requirements, qualifying work experience, language proficiency, temporary resident status, settlement funds, and an intent to reside outside Quebec.
1. Education:
- In Canada: No education requirement if the job offer criteria are met.
- Outside Canada: Must demonstrate one of the following:
- A Canadian high school diploma or higher.
- A foreign credential equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma, verified by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report.
2. Employment Requirements:
- Must meet the relevant employment requirements of the job offer.
- Job offers must be:
- Genuine.
- From a single Canadian employer in an eligible industry.
- Full-time, non-seasonal, and indeterminate.
- At or above the prevailing wage for the occupation.
3. Work Experience:
- At least 1 year of continuous or accumulated full-time, non-seasonal work in Canada within the last 3 years.
- Work must be in eligible occupations and industries.
- Must provide employer or union reference letters and supporting documents like paystubs.
4. Official Language Proficiency:
- Must score a minimum level 4 in the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) for listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
- Test results must be less than 2 years old at the time of application.
5. Temporary Resident Status:
- Must have temporary resident status if applying from within Canada.
6. Settlement Funds:
- Not required if already working in Canada under a valid work permit.
- Must show sufficient, transferable, unencumbered funds if not working in Canada at the time of application.
7. Intent to Reside Outside Quebec:
- Must intend to reside in a province outside Quebec.
Eligible NAICS and NOC Combinations:
To qualify, the applicant’s work experience and job offer must match specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) and North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) combinations. Examples include:
- NAICS 1114 (Greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture production):
- NOC 82030 (Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors)
- NOC 84120 (Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators)
- NOC 85100 (Livestock laborers)
- NOC 85101 (Harvesting laborers)
- NAICS 3116 (Meat product manufacturing):
- NOC 63201 (Butcher – retail and wholesale)
- NOC 65202 (Meat cutters and fishmongers – retail and wholesale)
- NOC 94141 (Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers, and related workers)
- NOC 95106 (Laborers in food and beverage processing)
For a full list of eligible NAICS and NOC combinations, refer to the official IRCC page.
Additional Information:
- Union Wage Rates: Wages must meet the collective agreement or prevailing wage standards.
- Proof of Work Experience: Must be demonstrated through reference letters and supporting documents.
- Misrepresentation: Any concerns about the authenticity of educational credentials or work experience will be addressed through procedural fairness.
By understanding these updated criteria and ensuring all requirements are met, applicants can improve their chances of success in the AFP program. Stay informed and subscribe to our blog for the latest updates on Canadian immigration policies and programs!
Keywords: Agri-Food Pilot Program, Canada Immigration, Permanent Residence, IRCC Updates, Settlement Funds, Language Proficiency, NOC, NAICS, Work Experience, Education Requirements.
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